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Did you know that Winnipeg has been colder than Mars?
It is a frigid and snowy province but rich in culture, wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. NASA has even named a piece of land on Mars after the capital city.
But, apart from these interplanetary honors, Manitoba is a pretty cool area on Earth, having contributed to the world’s animal wonders, outdoor phenomena, world-class festivals, and, yes, even Hollywood. What is Manitoba known for? Here are the 18 interesting things to answer that.
1. What is Manitoba Known For?: A Look Back In Time
1) Take a look back in time Indigenous peoples from two nations first settled in the area: the Ne-hiyawak (Cree) and the Nakotas (Assiniboin). Later, they were joined by the Anishinaabe (Ojibwa) and the Dakota (Sioux). Muddy Waters is the Cree term for Winnipeg.
2) The Exchange District is a National Historic Site covering 30 blocks in Winnipeg’s downtown, featuring unparalleled turn-of-the-century architecture in Canada.
3) Morden’s Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre has North America’s greatest collection of prehistoric marine fossils, including the world’s largest publicly displayed Mosasaur. Bruce is his name!
4) The Manitoba Museum in Winnipeg has the world’s largest trilobite, Isotelus rex, which was discovered in northern Manitoba.
5) Lower Fort Garry was the North West Mounted Police’s first training base.
2. Vast Outdoors
1) Manitoba’s Little Limestone Lake is the world’s finest and biggest example of a marl lake, which changes color with temperature swings.
2) Winnipeg boasts North America’s biggest mature elm tree urban forest, with around 160,000 elms.
3) Churchill is one of the top three locations in the world for viewing the Aurora Borealis, often known as the Northern Lights.
4) With 358 hours of sunlight, Winnipeg enjoys the sunniest winter season in Canada.
5) Duck Mountain Provincial Park contains Manitoba’s highest peak (Baldy Mountain, at 831 meters).
3. Natural Wonders
1) Manitoba boasts the largest red-sided garter snake mating dens anywhere in the world. In early May, thousands flock to the Narcisse Dens to mix, mingle, and mate. Writing balls of snakes make for excellent viewing around Mother’s Day, so bring Mom!
2) There are about 25,000 beluga whales in Hudson Bay, with 3000 of them visiting Churchill from mid-June to mid-August.
3) Wapusk National Park in northern Manitoba is the world’s largest polar bear denning habitat.
4. Festival Mania
1) The Celebration du Voyageur in Manitoba is Western Canada’s largest winter festival.
2) The Winnipeg Folk Festival is one of the world’s oldest and largest folk events.
3) Folklorama, held in August in Winnipeg, is the world’s largest and longest-running multicultural event, with over 44 cultural pavilions.
4) The Pas is home to the Northern Manitoba Trapper’s Celebration, Manitoba’s oldest winter festival, which was founded in 1916.
5) Manito Ahbee is Canada’s largest Pow Wow and the second largest in North America.
5. Intriguing Landmarks
1) Churchill, Manitoba, is Canada’s northernmost port. It’s known as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” because it attracts polar bears on their journey to the nearby Hudson Bay.
2) The International Peace Garden is dedicated to global peace along the world’s longest unfortified border and serves as a symbol of friendship between the United States and Canada.
3) The Université de Saint-Boniface was the first educational institution in Western Canada (founded in 1818), and it was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Manitoba in 1877.
4) The Royal Canadian Mint manufactures circulation coins and currency for 60 governments around the world.
6. Thriving Art Scene
1) The Winnipeg Art Gallery houses the world’s biggest collection of contemporary Inuit art.
2) Le Cercle Moliere, a French theatrical group in Winnipeg, is Canada’s longest continually functioning French theatre.
3) Rachel Browne created Winnipeg’s Contemporary Dancers in 1964, making it Canada’s oldest contemporary dance group.
7. Skating And Sliding
1) Manitoba is known as the “Curling Capital of the World” because it has more curling clubs than Ontario and Quebec combined.
2) The world’s largest curling rock is located in Arborg, Manitoba, outside of the Arborg-Bifrost Curling Club. It is 4.2 meters in length.
3) Winnipeg has one of the world’s longest skate tracks. Starting in downtown The Forks, the trail leads skaters down the Red and Assiniboine Rivers for 6 to 9 kilometers, with warming huts designed by architects from all over the world.
8. Best personalities of Manitoba
1) Al Simmons, Bob Rock, Fred Penner, Neil Young, Bif Naked, Tom Cochrane, Crash Test Dummies, The Weakerthans, Chantal Kreviazuk, Burton Cummings, and Randy Bachman are all Manitoba natives.
2) Guy Maddin is undoubtedly the most well-known directing/producing contributor and he is a native person of Manitoba. Manitoba-born movie stars such as Anna Paquin (X-Men, True Blood), Adam Beach (Flags of our Fathers, Suicide Squad), and Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) have graced the big screen.
3) Olympic athletes such as Jennifer Jones (curling), Cindy Klassen (speed skater), Clara Hughes (cyclist and speed skater), Susan Auch (speed skater), and many more from Manitoba are well-known across the world.
4) There are authors who are native to Manitoba including Gabrielle Roy, Patrick Friesen, Miriam Toews, Margaret Carol Shields, and Laurence.
5) James Bond was inspired by famed WWII spymaster Sir William Stephenson, who was born and reared in Winnipeg.
6) Bobby Hull of the Winnipeg Jets was the first million-dollar player in hockey.
7) St. Laurent is home to the most Métis people in North America.
8) Winnie-the-Pooh was inspired by a black bear named Winnie, who was named after Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital city.
9) In 1964, Paul Faraci created Pizza Pops in Winnipeg.
10) Charles Thorson, the artist of Snow White, grew up in Gimli. It is commonly assumed that the Snow White figure produced for Disney Studios was inspired by a waitress Thorson encountered at a cafe in Winnipeg’s West End.
9. The Province Of Keystone
Because of its form and location in the center of Canada, Manitoba is known as a “keystone” province.
10. Canada’s Geographic Centre
Winnipeg, Manitoba’s capital, is Canada’s geographic center. You may even go to the spot and take a picture while you’re there.
11. Slurpee Capital
Winnipeg has been named the Slurpee Capital of the World for the past 20 years. Slurpees are frozen, sweet slushie drinks that can be requested in “Big Gulp” size for an extra cold delight. Slurpees are popular in Manitoba throughout the year, including in the summer and winter.
12. One Of The World’s Coldest Cities
Winnipeg, along with Yellowknife, Duninka, and Yakutsk (all in Russia), and Harbin, China, has been named one of the world’s five coldest cities.
13. More Than 100,000 Lakes
During the hot summer months, Manitoba offers over 100,000 gorgeous lakes that are ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming.
14. Wapusk National Park And Mountain National Park
Riding Mountain National Park and Wapusk National Park is also located in the province. If you want to get lost in nature, go camping, or stroll the trails, these parks are ideal. There are also several parks inside the city borders, including King’s Park, Kildonan Park, and Assiniboine Park (to name a few of many).
15. Canada’s Oldest Dance Company
Winnipeg is home to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, Canada’s oldest ballet group and the second-oldest in North America.
16. The Longest-Running Outdoor Theatre In Canada
During the summer, Rainbow Stage, Canada’s longest-running outdoor theatre, hosts outdoor performances. You will not be disappointed if you attend a musical under the canopy as the sun sets.
17. First City In North America To Build And Operate A Central Emergency System
Winnipeg was the first city in the continent to design and deploy a central emergency system in 1959. What was originally “999” became “911,” and the number has since been utilized.
18. Narcisse Snake Dens
Garter snakes use the Narcisse Snake Dens as a breeding habitat. Thousands of snakes may be seen in the pits during mating season in May. This is an excellent day excursion for wildlife enthusiasts!
19. The Largest Icelandic Community Beyond Iceland
Take the journey out to Gimli, the biggest Icelandic community outside of Iceland, for a day excursion.
Tourists (and inhabitants) may enjoy the beaches, local shops and cafés, and the historic Gimli Pier, which is located along the shores of Lake Winnipeg. During the summer, the Gimli Film Festival allows you to see a movie on the beach.
20. The Canadian Museum For Human Rights
Winnipeg is also home to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, the country’s first national museum outside of Ottawa.
The museum was designed to display and educate people about human rights concerns while reducing the structure’s environmental effect. Among the various changing displays have been stories of war, women’s rights, and truth and healing.
21. Manitoba: “The Heart Of Canada”
Manitoba is one of Canada’s least visited provinces. Manitoba dubbed the “Heart of Canada,” is located in the country’s longitudinal core and is home to some of the greatest culture and exceptional wildlife.
Year-round, Manitoba boasts some fantastic attractions and activities. These are views that may be seen safely and apart from people in the great outdoors. Even in the cold, you may go on treks and walks!
You may also help by ordering from local restaurants and businesses. Whether you’re planning a cross-country road trip or simply want to visit another one of Canada’s stunning provinces, Manitoba Tourism has more to offer than you might think!
I encourage you to support local businesses whenever possible, and I hope to return to this province soon!
Last Updated on by Priyanshi Sharma
